shrike

/ʃraɪk/

Other forms: shrikes

Definitions of shrike

1. noun

   any of numerous Old World birds having a strong hooked bill that feed on smaller animals
   types:

   butcherbird

   shrikes that impale their prey on thorns

   Lanius lucovicianus, loggerhead shrike

   a common shrike of southeastern United States having black bands around the eyes

   Lanius ludovicianus migrans, migrant shrike

   a shrike of central North America; winters in Texas and the southern Mississippi valley

   bush shrike

   an African shrike

   European shrike, Lanius excubitor

   a common European butcherbird

   Lanius borealis, northern shrike

   a butcherbird of northern North America

   Lanius ludovicianus excubitorides, white-rumped shrike

   a butcherbird of western North America; grey with white underparts

   Chlorophoneus nigrifrons, black-fronted bush shrike

   a kind of bush shrike

   type of:

   oscine, oscine bird

   passerine bird having specialized vocal apparatus